Spotlight Q&A on the Equest Blue Ribbon Gala
(Featured photo: Mark and Melinda Knowles. Eric Lindh, CEO, Equest and friends)*
This year’s 45th Annual Equest Blue Ribbon Gala: Run for the Roses on April 25, 2026, at Gilley’s Dallas, promises an unforgettable evening of celebration, community spirit, and impact. The Gala supports Equest, a Dallas-based nonprofit that brings hope and healing to individuals with diverse needs through equine-assisted activities and therapies.
Here, Equest CEO Eric Lindh and Gala Co-Chair Melinda Knowles share why this event is so meaningful and how the community can get involved.
Q: Why is Equest’s mission personally meaningful to you?
Eric: Equest’s mission is meaningful to me because I’ve witnessed how these programs change lives. Watching a rider gain confidence, independence, or joy in ways they couldn’t before exemplifies why this work matters. It’s not just therapy, it’s empowerment. And seeing the community come together around something bigger than ourselves – the generosity, dedication, and support of our volunteers, donors, and staff – is inspiring. Being a part of this organization is incredibly rewarding.
Melinda: Stewarding Equest’s milestone Gala is deeply meaningful to me. As someone who has loved horses my entire life, the magic of Equest is witnessing the breakthroughs . . . the moment a rider who was once hesitant gains confidence or achieves a goal they didn’t think was possible. Equest’s 45-year legacy isn’t just history; it’s thousands of individual breakthroughs and families forever changed. Supporting this mission is about creating those life-changing moments and ensuring more people have access to these therapeutic programs.
Q: What excites you most about this year’s Blue Ribbon Gala?
Eric: The Gala brings together a community that truly believes in Equest’s mission. Beyond the celebration, it’s a chance to show the impact of every donation, every volunteer hour, and every partnership. Seeing that collective energy in one room is inspiring.
Melinda: I am thrilled that this year’s theme, “Run for the Roses,” perfectly reflects Equest’s mission. Just like a Derby contender “runs for the roses,” our participants push through barriers to reach their own personal victories, whether that’s greater confidence, emotional regulation, physical strength, or simply feeling seen and valued. The Gala allows us to celebrate those successes and raise essential funds to help even more people through the healing power of horses.
Q: What can attendees expect at this year’s Blue Ribbon Gala?
Eric: This year, guests will join us as we celebrate 45 years of impact at Equest -honoring the incredible growth and milestones our clients have achieved along the way. The evening will also feature a cocktail reception, seated dinner, live music, and an exciting lineup of live and silent auction items. Our auction will go live on Monday, April 20, so be sure to visit equest.org/gala to preview all available items.
Melinda: Attendees can expect to see firsthand how their support makes a difference. There will be inspiring stories from riders, opportunities to bid on unique auction items, and a vibrant atmosphere where everyone feels part of Equest’s mission. The event is expertly planned by Steve Kemble, features entertainment from Jordan Kahn’s Manhattan Orchestra, and will be emceed by Calvert Collins-Bratton. We are also proud to honor Carol Huckin with the Citation Award and Leslie and Hawkins Golden with the Founders Award.
Q: How can members of the community get involved and support Equest?
Eric: There are so many ways to help. Attending the Blue Ribbon Gala is a great start. Your ticket directly supports our programs. You can also volunteer, sponsor a horse, or make a donation. Every contribution, big or small, helps change lives.
Melinda: Absolutely. Guests can also donate to our silent and live auctions, become program sponsors, or simply share Equest’s mission with their network. The more people who know about our work, the more riders we can reach and support.
Q: What’s one thing you hope attendees take away from the Gala?
Eric: I want guests to feel both the history and the potential of Equest. We’re celebrating 45 years of life-changing work while dreaming bigger for the future. It’s a night to honor the past, support the present, and invest in the breakthroughs that are still to come.
Melinda: I want guests to experience the impact of their generosity and have a memorable, fun evening. Every smile, milestone, and success at Equest is thanks to our community, and I hope everyone leaves inspired, knowing they’ve helped someone gain confidence, independence, and hope.
*Photos courtesy Equest.
**Photo by Ronnie Dunlap Photography
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